Apparatus for forming wire coils



S. A. PLATT APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Sept. 29, 1953 Fild Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

Slap/2e}: 12. flail Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE cons 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28. 1950 P. g. fl m; (u B MN I Q11 r L4 \NN \3 IO] 9 3 W w MN R w. 1 J h A AN IIH a I \w i w A o o mv w H- w, w M G N w w W$ RW Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,653,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE cons Filed Feb. 28, 1950 v 15 Sheets-Sheet :5

5; 1 1 1 a "1 Q 7' 3 E a J13. I 1A N 1 L 1 I vs E G- a OI N E f o N} 2 1 Q I INVENTOR.

Q I a) Sic when fl. P1012 Hl ny 2 S Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,653,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Filed Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 mmvrm Stephen 1]. Fiat! Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,653,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Filed Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 W W (0, 3 I 0 fi (1 T1 0 1 I g IH \ INVENTOR.

Sept. 29, 1953 s, -r

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS 15 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 28, 1950 INVENTOR. die 1116a i. Plait -U W arrolrmm.

S. A. PLATT APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Sept. 29, 1953 Filed Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet 7 mu m M 2 mp Q M m. 2 Y

Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,653,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COIL-S Filed Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet 8 Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,653,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Filed Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 l 'H llulllllllll fi i I INVENTQR.

7 /1621 17. Pia-Z2 a/JL HTTORNEK Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,653,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Filed Feb. 28, 1950 15 Sheets-Sheet 10 ATTORNEY Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT 2,553,630

APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS Filed Feb. 28, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 11 llHllln...

H mun...

iiiii HTTORl/{Y Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS l5 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed Feb. 28, 1950 INVENTOR. flap/zen fl. JZaZZ Sept. 29, 1953 s. A. PLATT APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE cons 15 Sheets-Sheet 14 Filed Feb. 28, 1950 INVENTOR. Siepizen 111 P2422 \l I r 7 I .ww I L n $12.: .,.ii11.11.1115:. lbwfr. A v A A V c ,v A s 15 Sheets-Sheet l5 INVENTOR. f7. P2012 HITOR/VEK .Siqvlzeiz S. A. PLATT APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE COILS vl llllnll Sept. 29, 1953 Filed Feb. 28, 1950 Patented Sept. 29,

uni-m Stephen'Ar'Platt Wheaton, 111., assiznor to wubur B. Driver Company, Newark',N.-J.,-a-.eot'- purulent: New Jersey Application Felii'iliifi 2a, 1556, swam. 146L864 This invention relates to" wire coilingj devi'ces and has for its objectthe provislon of 'a wjre coiling device which is adapted to iorm'wire coils having, lead wires of determined length on each coil end. H g

ot tis .-to; .nrov de full tutor; matic wire coiling device of this type. 1

Still another object is ,to provide a pneumatic actuated wire coiling device vand angelectroe, mechanical control meanslthereforgmw l A further object is to;,provide a ,wire, coiling machine in which all of thejmechanical move-j ments therein are actuated by pneumatic -ram means, a master air valve for selectively actue ating the. said ram means :and an electromechanical control- .means, i017 selectively; actuating the said air valve in a repeated sequence of operating positions for, continuous operation of the device. A

other objects will be apparentas the invention is more. fullyhereinafter disclosed In accordance with these objects I hflVELdQ-r vised a fully automatic and continuously opera-'- tive wire coilingudevicein which all-,of: the mechanical movements involved inuthe'. feeding, coiling, lead-length; f orming and wire K cut-oh. Operations 'ua db inram means and in which theactuationof the saidair ram means in the properorder and sequence; is under the control of a master. air. valveand .wherein the actuationof said master v airhvalv e under the control of an electro -mlechanical control means including an indeXing means-..for.the air valve and an indexing. means for the electrical system and. a solenoidactuated pneumatic-, ram means for actuatingthe. two .said. .-indexing means, all as will be more fully h ereinafter described in connection with the specificcm bodiment of the invention illustrated the accompanying drawings to which-referencelnow should be made.- H i In the win s h va i l stra d ne specific embodiment. of the invention,- but 51101] -9'Cl'aln1s (Cl. 140 -71 H as a limitationof the same, the. device as it has been constructed and adapted. for v the form-I ing of electrical resistance coils of;.,the ;type employed in the, forming.,. of heating elements for electrical heater; devices from wire comprised of an electrical resistance alloy consisting pf nickel and chromium andcontaining ab.on1 ,l80 nickel and 20% e iiiimilr .In he time: such electrical resistance coils it is.high1y desir able that a c end iilia themed, length of the wire should remain to function as lead wires to the coil from terminals to which of the apparatus.

" 14- of Fig. 13;...

they are attached. The forming of such'lead lengths on theendsof the coi-l'present a mechanical problem whi'ckprior art coil winding devieeshavwfailed to solve satisfactorily:

In accordance with the device of the-present invention this mechanical problem is satisfactorily solved by the provision of a lead-length feeding meansoperating to i'eed adetermined lead length of the wire past the coiling position before and after the"'coilingoperation.

Referring now to the drawings "Fig." 1 is afront elevation of the" device of the specific embodiment of the "present inven= Fig. 2.is an enlarged viewmffrontxcontrol panel of the same; 3."Ij

Figr 3-is;aperspective view of one operating element of-the apparatus;' c

Fig. 4 is a back view of the same;

Figr-5 is a'perspective viewof the wire coil product of the apparatus Fig. -6 is an-enlarg'ed top view of. one end of the apparatus;

Fig. an enlarged cross-sectionedv taken along planel-J ofFlgi 6;

Fig. 8 is an' endivi ew of same taken along p ne 8-.8,of;1?i'g;-7;1,1 :7 ii J Y Fig; 9 is an enlarged top view of the. other end ,of the apparatus, with Figs. 6 and 9 joined together to provide anenlarged .top view ofrthe entire apparatus; ,i I

Fig; 10? is an 'en'largedj cross-section taken along plane 'l0'l0"1of1Fig.. .Quand also along plane "fll -lflof' Fig. 13', "withflfrfontview of coiling chuckuin. coiling start position therewith illustrating the mandrel feed means of the presentinvention;

Fig. 11'is an enlarged perspective of the ceiling die which is one .ofltheimprovement features view Fig; 12 "is a. top view oi. the mandrel feed meansshown in sectiondn Fig. 10; v. 7 I Fig. 13 .is"a.. front' elevation of same;

Fig. 14is a sectional view taken alongaplane Fig; 15 is" a "sectional view 'of' the mandrel feedmeans taken .along plane ..l 5-.l 5 of Fig; 13; Fig; 1'6is' a; view along plane |6-|6 0f.'Eig.-. 1.;.

Fig.1? is a view along plane |1-I7 of Fig.1;

' Fig. 18' is" a partial back view of the appar.

Fig. 19' is a sectional view of the same taken along ,plane [9 1 9 of Fig- 18;

Fig. 20' is an enlarged section along plane 20-20 of Fig. 18; i i

Fig. 21 is a section along plane 2I-2l oi Fig. 18;

Fig. 22 is a sectional view along plane 22-22 of Fig. 18;

Fig. is a sectional view taken along plane 7 30-30 of Fig. 31;

Fig. 31 is an outside view of the same;

Fig. 32 is a view taken along plane 32-32 of Fig. 31;

Fig. 33 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in section of part of Fig. 32;

Fig. 34 is a sectional view taken along plane 34-34 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 35 is a view taken along plane 35-35 of Fig. 34;

Fig. 36 is a section along plane 36-36 of Fig. 34;

Fig. 37 is a section along plane 31-31 of Fig. 34;

Fig. 38 is an enlarged sectional view along plane 38-38 of Fig.

Fig. 39 is another view of the same showing the elements in outside view;

Fig. 40 is a section along plane 40-40 of Fig. 38 with Figs. 40 and 38 at 90 to each other;

Fig. 41 is an enlarged section along plane "-4! of Fig. 24;

Fig. 42 is a top view of the pneumatic control means of the present invention;

Fig. 43 is a front view partly in section along plane 43-43 of Fig. 42;

Fig. 44 is a perspective view illustrating one of the elements of the control means of Fig. 42;

Fig. 45 is an end view of Fig. 42;

Fig. 46 is a back view of Fig. 42;

Fig. 47 is a section along plane 41-41 of Fig. 43;

Fig. 48 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in Fig. 47;

Fig. 49 is a side elevation showing the air exhaust passages of the air valve shown in Fig. 54;

Fig. 50 is a sectional view of same along plane 50-50 of Fig. 49;

. Fig. 51 is a side elevation showing the air inlet passages of the air valve shown in Fig. 54

Fig. 52 is a section along plane 52-52 of Fig. 51;

Fig. 53 is an end view of Fig. 54;

Fig. 54 is a side elevation of the master air valve shown in perspective in' Fig. 48, and is a composite of the valves shown in Figs. 49 and 51;

Fig. 55 is a section along plane 55-55 of Fig. 54;

66 Fig. 56 is a section along plane 56-56 of 4 essential part of the mechanism of Figs. 57 and 58 and partially shown in Fig. 60;

Fig. 62 is a sectional view along plane 62-62 of Fig. 63, of the auxiliary chuck carriage assembly moving means;

Fig. 63 is an end view of the same;

Fig. 64 is a side elevation of a control mechanism used in combination with the means of Figs. 62 and 63;

Fig. 65 is a section of same along plane 65-65 of Fig. 64;

Fig. 66 is an end view of Fig. 65;

Fig. 67 is an exploded perspective of one of the elements of Fig. 65;

Fig. 68 is a schematic diagram illustrating the co-operative functioning of the electro-mechanical means controlling the distribution of air to the pneumatic means of the present invention and of energizing electric current to the control means;

Fig. 69a is a fragmentary view of the left side of the mechanism shown in Fig. 68 disclosing the second position of one of the operating elements thereof.

Fig. 69b is a fragmentary view of the right side of the mechanism shown in Fig. 68 disclosing the second position of one of the operating elements thereof.

As may be noted from a study of the device illustrated in the drawings the device consists of a plurality of mechanical movements, each pneumo-actuated in which the several operations involved in the feeding, forming and severing of a coil 0 (Fig. 5) having determined lead lengths a and b on each end thereof, are repeatedly performed for continuous operation of the device, such continuous operation of the pneumo-actuated means being achieved through the operation of a master air valve V into a plurality of air distributing positions and an electro-mechanical means for controlling the actuation of the air valve into the plurality of air distributing positions.

Referring to the drawings, the plurality of mechanical elements comprising the present invention consist of a mandrel M sustained horizontally to be movable axially from a rest position to first coil winding position and to be rotatable about its axis and to be movable axially from final coil winding position back to first or rest position; a chuck assembly A mounted to be movable horizontally with the chuck axis in alignment with the mandrel axis from final coil winding position to mandrel engaging position with means to engage the chuck with the mandrel and to rotate the chuck and mandrel; a pneumomechanical means for converting the rotating movement of the mandrel by the chuck into a mandrel advancing chuck carriage return movement and a pneumatic ram means assisting the same, a wire feeding means W feeding the wire w to the mandrel M at the mandrel-chuck engaging position; a lead-length feeding means L; a wire cutoff means B; a motor means D, a drive shaft E, and a power take-off means P for driving the chuck; a master distributor air valve V. a plurality of pneumatic ram means C1 to Cs, for actuating each of the mechanical elements of the device, each being actuated by air from the air valve V; a ratchet means 13 for operating the air valve V into successive operating positions of air distribution; a solenoid actuated ram means C10 for operating the said ratchet means F, an electrical control means consisting of a plurality of electrical circuits each including the solenoid 7 G of the ram means Cio, switch S and one of the switches S1 to S6; and an indexing means I actuated by the ratchet means F for making and breaking the said plurality of electrical circuits in a determined order to provide for the continuous operation of the device.

Each of these mechanical elements with its associated pneumatic and electrical actuating means have been illustrated in the drawings in detail and in combination, it being understood that each element is adapted to wide modification, per se, without essential departure from the invention and that the specific embodiment of the drawings is by way of example and not by way of limitation.

Referring first to Fig. 68, the schematic diagram of this figure is designed to illustrate the cooperative functioning of the various parts and elements of the invention. In this figure the valve V is shown as being arranged to receive air under a determined pressure from a source and to distribute the air in each position 'of rotation to a specified ram means selected from the rams C1 to C8. The rotating member of this valve V is shown by dotted line connection to be uperatively connected to ratchet means F which is shown as connected to a ram means C10 for operation by the ram. The actuation of the ram C10 is shown as being under the control of solenoid G. The energization of the solenoid G is shown as being under the control of an electric circuit including switch S10 and indexing means I directing the electric current successively to switches S1 to S6 which on being closed by the respective means I1 to lscompletes the energizing circuit for the solenoidG actuating'the same to move the valve stem ill from the position shown to open position against the action of spring means ll thereby admitting air to the ram means 010 actuating the 'same to'move the ratchet F through one. indexing position with corresponding movement of the rotating valve element H0 of valve V and of the circuit indexing means I. The ram C10 at the conclusion of its stroke operates a trip mechanism including slide plate I2 and pin l3 which opens switch S10 to break thesolenoid energizing circuit as the indexing movement of means F andI is completed and upon the return of the ram (he to first position by the action of compression spring l4 switch S10 isclosedtoprepare the circuit in the indexed position of'means H for the energization of solenoid G upon theclosing of its switch S1 to Sc by its means I1 to Is. In this manner the cycle of operationscontrolled by the pneumatic rams C1 to C6 is repeated indefinitely thereby achieving continuous operation of the coiling device.

The several mechanical elements with the pneumatic ram means associated therewith for actuating the same will now. be described in detail.

Referring firstto Figs. 1, 6, 7,.the details of the 7 means for supporting, moving and rotating the mandrel M will be noted. The mandrelM is sustained horizontally in slotted'tube 20 i 7) with the rear endof the mandrel engagedby guide plate 2| passing through the tube slot in a connection providingfor' substantially free rotation of the mandrel M about its axis. A single action pneumatic ram-means C1 is operatively connected by yoke 22 to'the guide plate 2| for movement of the mandrel-M-endwise from a rest position to the chuck-engaging first coil-winding position. A secondsin'gle action-pneumatic ram means 02 is provided (Fig.1) which is com nected to the rear end of late 2| by pu lwire 23 passing over pulleys 24 and 25 to retract the mandrel M from final coil winding position to the rest position indicated. in Fig. 1. As indicated in Fig. 6 as the mandrel M is retracted by the ram C2 to restposition, the guide plate 2] engages lever li which is disposed in a position to engage switch S1.

Referring now to Figs. 1 9, 10, 57 to 61-, inclusive, the details of chuck assembly A may be noted. This chuck assembly consists of a chuck 30, a clutch means 3| for engaging the chuck 30 to the drive shaft E through belt drive connection 32 to the power take-off means P, a pneumatic ram means C3 for actuating the clutch and chuck, a meansfor sustaining the chuck assembly A to be movable to and away from the point of mandrel engagement with the chuck 30 in alignment with the mandrel axis and a pneumatic ram means C4 for moving the chuck assembly to mandrel engaging position, amechanical pneumatic means that will hereinafter be more fully described for returning the chuck assembly Ato first position at a determined rate during the wire coiling operation, and a means suchas lever lg to actuate switch S3 (Fig. 19) when the chuck assembly A has been returned to its final coil winding position. A spring stop means 0 is provided to cushion the assembly A as it arrives in mandrel engagingposition.

As indicated in the drawings (Fig. 1) the chuck assembly A is mounted for slidingmovement upon the tubular housings for pneumatic rams C2 and C5 by means of atubular support member 40 having its opposite ends secured to slide members 4| and-42 engaging the outer surface of rams C2 and-Cs, respectively, the chuck assembly A being detachablymounted on extension 43 .of the member 40 in a-sliding connection permitting adjustment and positioning of the assembly A for aligning the chuck axis with the mandrel axis.

The details of the chuck assembly may be noted in Figs. 57 to 60,*inclusive, wherein it may be seen that the chuck 30 is mounted on the end of a rotatable spindle 44, one end of which is attached to stationary clutch plate 45, therotatingplate 46 of said clutch being rotated by pulley 41 rotated by, belt 48 of thepower take-01f means P. Engagement and disengagement of the clutch means is obtained through the actuation of pneumatic ram means C3, as is also obtained the engagement and disengagement of the clutch 30 with the mandrel M andthe wire w at the mandrel engaging first coil winding position of the mandrel and clutch assembly. As may be noted from the drawings'Figs. 57 and 58, actuation of the ram C3 against the action of springs 49and 50 lever 5| is actuated about its ivot 52 a distance limited by pin 53 thereby moving parallel plates 54-55 forwardly a distance pushing housing 56 forwardly a distance engaging pin 51 on rotating spindlex44 in the locking element 58 and the shank 59 of the chuck 30, therebyactuating the locking member 58 and imparting rotating movementto the chuck 30 with mandrel gripping pressure.

Locking member '58 is provided inthe chuck '30, to coact with lever 60 to-secure the wire w for coiling on the mandrel M as the mandrel is rotated with reverse movement of-the chuck'assembly and mandrel towards the first position of the chuck assembly at a determined rate imparting a desired coil pitehntothe coil turns. :The

7 mechanical-pneumatic means for obtaining a return of the chuck carriage to first position at this determined rate will be more fully hereinafter described.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 16, the details of the wire feeding means W may be noted. In this means, a spool of wire 6| is mounted on the end of an overhanging spindle 62 which is sustained in position by bracket 63 extending upwardly from the side 3 of the frame includin base supports and split uprights 2-2 and side plates 3-3 with front panel 4. The spool 6| is restrained from free rotation on the spindle 62 by brake means 64 having a spring arm 65 moving in opposition to spring return means 66 in the end of which is a pulley 66 over which the wire w passes on its way to the lead feed means L. This wire feeding means is old, per se, and forms no part of the present invention except in combination with the remaining elements and means employed.

Referring now to the lead-feed mechanism L and to the means provided to actuate the same, this mechanism and means is designed to obtain a feeding of a determined length of the wire w past the mandrel M at the point of chuck engagement in first coil winding position to provide the desired lead lengths a and b at each end of the coil 0. It accordingly must receive the wire w from the wire feeding means W, engage the same for forward feeding before and after coil winding and release or leave the wire w free for feeding during the coil winding operation.

This result is obtained by the means provided, the details of which may be noted from Figs. 1, 9, 17, 241 to 29, inclusive, and 30 to 33, inclusive. As indicated in the drawings the wire w passes from the pulley 66 to the means L wherein it first passes around a capstan I8 and then through tube 1| to the coiling die 12 (Fig. 11), the details of which will hereinafter be described, to the mandrel M at the point of chuck engagement.

Capstan 10 is mounted in a standard type of overriding clutch assembly on the end of shaft 12' which is rotatable by the gear and rack drive :means 13 and 14. The capstan I is restrained from rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of wire feed but may be rotated forwardly by the pull on the wire w during coil winding independently of rotation of shaft 12 or by direct "forward drive through shaft 12.

This type of mechanical movement, per se, is old and well known in the art and forms no part of the invention except in combination with the other elements thereof.

In the surface of capstan 10 I have provided a groove 15 in which the wire w is received and an idler roller 16 with an annular extension 11 fitting the groove 15 is mounted in a position in front of the capstan 10 for spring engagement of the extension H in the groove 15 by means of spring 18 to hold the wire w in position on the capstan 10.

Forward actuation of the capstan 10 by means of the rotation of shaft 12 by actuation of rack 14 is obtained by means of pneumatic ram means C5. This actuation is in two stages, the first stage occurring after the mandrel M has been moved into chuck engaging position and resulting in the forming of the lead length on the front end of the coil 0, and the second stage occurring after the coil 0 has been wound on the mandrel M and after the mandrel has been withdrawn from the coil. Accordingly, actuation of ram means C is obtained in two stages and reference now should be made to Figs. 24 to 29, inclusive. In these figures Fig. 29 should be considered as intermediate Figs. 24 and 2'7 between the planes AA and A'A.

As indicated in these figures, the ram C5 is a single acting ram, the piston therein operating against the action of spring return 8|. Rack 14 is attached directly to the piston 80 and on the end of the rack (4 there is provided a plunger 82 which precedes the rack 14 along split tube 83.

Along tube 83 and in the path of travel of plunger 82 are provided two spaced stop means J1 and J2, mounted in association with switches S4 and S5 to be adjustable along the length of the split tube 83. Stop means J1 is arranged to be released from stop position by the actuation of pneumatic ram means C6 permitting the ram C5 to finish its stroke as it may be limited by the position of the mechanical stop means J 2. As indicated in the drawings upon the engagement of the plunger end 82 with the stop means J1 switch S4 is closed by contact of arm l4 therewith and upon the engagement of the plunger end 82 with the mechanical stop means J2 switch S5 is closed by the contact of arm I5 therewith. The closing of both switches is obtained by means of the limited movement of the stop means J1 and J 2 in their mountings, substantially as indicated in the drawings.

The pneumatic means for releasing the stop means J1 from stop position is indicated in Fig. 41 wherein it may be noted that th stop extension is dependingly secured to a ring 9| and is held normally in stop position by spring means 82 the ends of which springs are secured to the pneumatic ram means Cs which upon operation pushes against the ring 9| lifting the stop extensio 90 out of stop position, the spring 92 operating to return the stop extension to stop position when the ram C6 is released.

The wire cut-off means B, as indicated in Figs. 34-37, consists of a stationary blade 95 and a movable blade 96 and a pneumatic ram means C1 for actuating the movable blade 96. This means B is mounted on side plate 3' of the device in a position along the line of wire feed from the lead feed means L to the coiling die 12 intercepting the wire w just after leaving the delivery tube H and before entering the die 12 so that the wire may be out without deflecting the wire from its prescribed path of travel into the coiling die 12.

As indicated in Fig. 34, the ram C1 is provided with a lever extension '6 ther on which on movement by the ram contacts and closes switch S0 at the conclusion of the ram movement.

The pneumo-mechanical means H for translating the rotating motion of the mandrel M induced by the chuck assembly A into a forward thrust movement on the mandrel and chuck assembly thereby to move the chuck assembly during the coiling operation to first position, is illustrated in Figs. 10 and 12 to 15 inclusive. This means comprises essentially a pair of rollers R,- R' independently mounted on opposite sides of the mandrel M in the housing H with the roller axis parallel to the mandrel axis but adjustable at an angle thereto and a pneumatic actuated means to brin the rollers R,R. into frictional contact with the rotating mandrel surface, the angle at which the rollers are inclined to the mandrel surface governing the rate of forward feed of the mandrel incident to the conversion of the rotating motion of the mandrel to forward thrust motion by the said rollers.

While various modified forms of this mechanical movement are available in the art, the specific embodiment shown appears the simplest. In this embodiment the mandrel M as it is fed into chuck engaging position passes into the housing H and through spaced aligned guide bushings II-I02 held in spaced aligned position by yoke I00. The

rollers R-R' are mounted on opposite sides of the mandrel in the space gap between the guide bushings and operatively connected to the worm and gear mechanism I05 manually operable by,-

knob I06 to be moved such as to angularly dispose the roller surfaces to the mandrel surface in the direction imparting forward motion to the mandrel upon rotation of the mandrel by the chuck.

Each roller R-R' is separately sustained in a pisthe roller surfaces into determined frictional contact with the rotating mandrel surface. The ram means here involved will hereinafter be referred to as ram means Ca.

To overcome slippage between the rollers R-R' and mandrel M with resultant irregular;

forward thrust movement, the pneumatic ram means C4 also is actuated simultaneously to apply a controlled amount of air pressure, regulated by valve I01 (Fig. 16), to insure steady forward thrust movement of the mandrel and steady re-;

turn movement of the chuck carriage assembly A to first position. This movement of the chuck carriage assembly A during the coil winding operation continues until lever Is on the chuck carriage assembly contacts switch S3 which is I adjustable along the exterior surface of the ram C2 for prescribing the length of the coil.

The sequential operation of the plurality of pneumatic ram actuating means hereinabove described is under the control of the master air valve V (Figs. 42 to 56) the operation of which valve V is under the control of valve indexing ram 010 the actuation of which ram is under the control of an electric control circuit including a solenoid G of a solenoid actuated valve and a plurality of micro-switches (S1 to S6) positioned to be actuated by the plurality of ram means, all as will now be described.

The master air valve V, the details of which are shown in Figs. 42 to 56, is essentially a rotatable slide valve, wherein air from a source of supply may be directed in each position of 60 rotation about an angle of 360 successively to a plurality of air channels directing the air to the plurality of pneumatic ram means hereinabove described and also to hold or to release air from these said air channels at predetermined desired positions of rotation.

Operation of this air valve V to its successive positions of rotation is obtained by means of an indexing means through a ratchet connection to the rotating element of the valve V, said indexing means also indexing the control circuits, said indexing means being actuated periodically by a pneumatic ram C10 energization of which ram is under the control of solenoid G the energization of which in turn is controlled by the plurality of micro-switches S1 to Sc, inclusive.

The rotatable slide valve V consists of a rotatable member I I0 (see Fig. 48) and a stationary member I I I. Member I I0 rotates within member III, the outer cylindrical face of H0 engaging the inner cylindrical surface of the member III in a lubricated ground and lap joint providing a air seal therebetween. I

Member H0 is comprised of a steel rod having a pair of axially aligned air pasageways H2 and H3 extending inwardly from the end of the rod a determined distance approximating the length of member I II. Passageway H2 is the air exhaust passageway and I I3 is the air inlet passageway. The cylindrical surface of member H0 is provided with a plurality of transverse grooves I I 4 and holes II5 with each groove provided with a hole I I6. Some of these holes H5 and H6 communicate with passageway H2 and some with passageway II3 thus forming a plurality of intake and exhaust port openings in the member I I 0. After machining to the size, shape and configuration indicated in the drawings the member H0 is hardened and ground and lapped to fit the center opening II in member I I I.

Member I I I is a heavy walled cylindrical body comprised of a bearing bronze alloy formed from a rod of suitable diameter through which axially located bore passageway II! is drilled, reamed and lapped together with member IIO to perfect fit. A plurality of channels H8 are drilled through the heavy cylindrical wall of member I I I communicating with the axial bore 1, said openings II8 being spaced in spiral alignment in the wall of member III the spacing therebetween corresponding to the spacing between the groovesand holes H4 and H5 provided in member IIO, so that on rotation of member I I0 within the axial bore I I! the grooves I I4 and holes I I5 in member IIO will be sequentially aligned with channels I I8 in one complete revolution of member IIO, thereby either feeding air through or exhausting air out of the aligned channel I I6.

The exit opening of each channel I I8 is counter-bored and threaded to accommodate a threaded fitting I I9 to which an air conduit may be connected for the delivery of air to or from a, pneumatic means to be connected therewith, such as any one of the pneumatic ram means hereinabove described, the particular order of connection to said ram means depending upon the sequence of operation of said ram means that is desired. This sequence will hereinafter be described more fully.

The closed end of member H0 is shaped to a six-step indexing ratchet section I20 and an electrical contact carrying section I2I having a flat spot I22 locating the position of the sliding contact I23 to be mounted thereon.

Referring now to' the assembled cross-sectional view of Fig. 47 and to the exploded view of Fig. 48, it will be seen that an annular ratchet actuating member I24 having spring-loaded teeth I25l25 is disposed in operating position over ratchet section I20 within a fitted recess I28 provided in the end of member III and is secured for oscillating motion to crank-arm I26 by rivets passing through openings I2I in ratchet acting member I24 and crank-arm I26, with a horseshoe-type spacer member I29 interposed therebetween and abutting against the outer face of the end of member III with the opening of the horseshoe aligned with the crank-arm I26 to limit the oscillating movement of the crankarm.

Crank-arm I26 is oscillated periodically by the pneumatic ram means C10 by link connection I" (see also Fig. 43) as will be hereinafter described, each oscillation of the crank-arm I26 resulting in a rotation of the member I In about its axis through a determined arc of rotation depending upon the total number of operating positions desired. In the present embodiment six (6) operating positions are employed and each 11 oscillation of crank-arm I26 byram C10 is calculated to provide an angle of rotation of 60 to member I00.

In each position of rotation of member IIll it is also desired to close an open electric circuit which upon later being energized by the closing of one of the micro-switches S1 to S5 will energize the solenoid G to again actuate the ram Cm to move the member IIO through another 60 angle of rotation, at the conclusion of which movement the energized circuit is broken and another open electric circuit is closed and made ready for energization upon the closing or the next micro-switch S1 to Sc.

This result is obtained by the distributor means I 3I which comprisw- 1 a Ii-BS provided with a center contactfilm!- cally connected by connectorxrmclfliibnm of electric currentthIOuKhMM-Nitch Sm (Fig. 43 and also Fig. 6891mm]: ring Ili is fixedly secured in insulated position against rotative movement substantially astsjndieated in Fig. 47, in spaced abutting relation to horseshoe ring I29.

Upon the extending end of member III is dis posed contact carrying disc I34 carrying contact I23 and keyed to the contact carrying section I2I of member III! by a set-screw engaging the flat spot I22 thereon, the position of the fiat spot I22 being selected to locate contact I28 in a position one step ahead of the pneumatic circuits being successively closed on rotation of the member IIII. Means, such as knob I40, is provided for manual actuation of member III! to any desired position of rotation when desired.

Solenoid G (Fig. 43) is arranged, upon energization by the closing of any one of the control switches S1 to S6, to operate a slide valve pin I from the rest or open position shown in Fig. 43 to a closed or operating position against the action of sprin return means II, in the direction of the arrow, to a position bringing the passageway I42 therein in alignment with air intake passageway I43 delivering air under pressure from feed opening I44 into chamber I45 against piston I46, actuating same in the direction of the arrow against the action of compression spring I4 thereby moving piston arm I41 sufliciently to move crank-arm I26 through one indexing position with resultant movement of member I I0 and contact carrying disc I34. The indexing move-' ment of member III directs the air how in valve V to the next air ram actuated mechanism and the idexing movement of disc I34 closes the electo mstzposition, pin it returning maging the opposite end of channel I52 in the 12 and pin I3 in the direction of the arrow, the .slide plate I2 remains in contact closing position until the pin I3 reaches the end of the channel I52, whereupon the slide plate I2 is moved in the direction of pin movement sufliciently to open switch S10. such movement being obtained by means of auxiliary channel I54 engaged by stationary spring press pin I55. As may be noted, upon the deenergization of solenoid G when switch S is opened, spring means II returns slide valve III to first position aligning passageway I42 with air exhaust passageway I56 releasing 'the pre'sure on piston I46 permitting compression spring I4 to return the piston I46 therewith and slide plate 5I2 to return the slide plate to first potrical circuit including the switch S1 to So to be closed at the conclusion of the movement of the air ram actuated mechanism actuated by said indexing movement.

During the operation of the air ram Cm it is important to keep the solenifl 6' energized until the indexing movement is meted and. to provide means to break the energizing electric circuit at the conclusion of thepiston movement and the instant before disc "I completes its indexing movement intothtfi'lt indexing position. This is accomplished by means of the delayed action trip mechanism shown in Figs. 42 to 44, inclusive. This mechanism includes a slide plate I2 having an arm I5I normally disposed in contact closing position against switch S10 and a channel I52, the said slide plate being disposed in aposition over the ram Cm to permit pin I3 to engage in the channel I52, said pin ll being secured to the piston I46 on the ram Cu to be moved thereby. Upon movement 0! tuition with the arm III thereon in contact closing position against switch Sm, thus closing the solenoid actuating circuit except for the open switch S1 to Sc awaiting closing by the pneumatic means actuated in the indexed position of member IIII.

As hereinabove indicated there are, in the present device six (6) indexing positions of member I III in the valve means V and a corresponding number of electrical circuits each with a switch S1 to S6 with switch S10 controlling the time period of actuating solenoid G. The schematic diagram of Fig. 68 indicates these six (6) indexing positions of contact carrying disc I14 and of member III! of valve V, respectively, it being understood that contact carrying disc I34 is always one position ahead of member I It) so that solenoid G may be actuated at the conclusion of the mechanical movement initiated pneumatically by the member III! in its indexed position, to index the member IIIl to its next position upon the closing of the switch S1 to S5 included in the circuit closed by the contact carrying disc I34 in that indexed position.

Arbitrarily, I have given the number 1 to that operating position or the valve V wherein the lead feed mechanism is actuated to form the lead length at the front end of the coil and the number 6 to that operating position wherein the rear lead length of the formed coil is formed and cut off.

In this operating position of member I III, which on the dial D is identified by the segment colored blue and marked with numeral one (1), the air under pressure from the source (not shown) passes through valve V to ram C5 and is fed to the ram Cs oi. the stop means J1 releasing the stop means Figs. 1, 25 and 26 and permitting the ram C5 to move rack I4 with resultant rotation 01. capstan II of the lead feed means L to forwardly feed a length of wire w, said length being limited by the distance of ram movement prescribed by the position of mechanical stop means J: with resultant closing of switch S5.

The closing of switch S5 re-energizes solenoid G with resultant operation of the indexing means by ram C10 and movement of member III) and disc I34 to the next indexing position, noted as yellow segment on the dial indicated on the panel 4. In this position valve V directs the air to the chuck carriage return ram C4 and also to the mandrel positioning ram C1, moving the chuck carriage to the left and the mandrel to the right into coil winding start position. As the chuck carriage A reaches its prescribed position for mandrel engagement, switch S2 (Fig. 18) is closed by means of lever arm I2, again energizing sole- I45 15 hold G to actuate ram C10 to move the member 

